LOWELL - BAE SYSTEMS Information and Electronics Warfare Systems (IEWS), Nashua, N.H., recently acknowledged more than a dozen employees who completed an on-site certificate program in software release engineering provided by the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

After two years of course work, 14 BAE SYSTEMS business unit employees received certificates in information technology with a focus in software release engineering. Eight others participated in some of the courses. As a result of the program, 19 employees have been reclassified into new job titles.

The on-site training program is just one example of how BAE SYSTEMS encourages growth from within the organization. "We don't leave anyone behind who wants to step up to the challenge of advanced training," said Jim Fasoli, director, Capability Maturity Model Integration. He added education programs contribute to a company's success and growth by enhancing the skills and professional knowledge of its workforce.

The idea of the program began when Rachel Guill, CM/DM department manager at IEWS, noticed a growing skills gap in the software CM group. To combat the gap, IEWS worked with UMass Lowell's Division of Continuing Studies and Corporate Education (CSCE) to develop a customized certificate program to meet their specific needs, including knowledge of a variety of software languages and applications such as XP, OS Administration and Oracle.

Dean Jacqueline Moloney, CSCE, recognized IEWS' commitment to education. "We're celebrating a new way of building corporate partnerships, not just for IEWS but for UMass Lowell. I applaud the leadership at IEWS for investing in the development of their employees by providing incentives for their participation."

About BAE SYSTEMS

BAE SYSTEMS Information & Electronic Warfare Systems employs 5,700 people at 10 major facilities in eight states. The business unit is a major producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces. Other major business areas include microwave, mission and space electronics; infrared imaging; and automated mission planning systems.

About UMass Lowell

With a large selection of courses and expert instructors, UMass Lowell's Division of Continuing Studies and Corporate Education serves as an important educational resource for area companies. The University -- which is particularly well known for its engineering, information technology and manufacturing programs -- provides training to employees from several hundred companies on campus and at approximately 50 off-campus locations, as well as through a range of distance learning media. As a fully accredited, state university, UMass Lowell offers customized certificate programs, courses and degree programs for corporate clients. For more information, visit continuinged.uml.edu/corporate.